Divyanshu G 
(C): X
In a landmark decision for human rights defenders, a Greek court has acquitted Syrian competitive swimmer Sarah Mardini and 23 other aid workers of all charges related to migrant rescues. The decision, made in the island of Lesbos, ends a torturous eight-year court battle that started in 2018. The accused were charged with grave crimes such as espionage and human trafficking by merely helping asylum seekers who came by sea. The decision by the court justifies the volunteers and the judge in charge of the case asserts that the volunteers did what was necessary to humanitarian needs, and not as a criminal act. This acquittal has become a great win in the battle against the criminalization of aid in Europe.
Sarah Mardini and Volunteers Vindicated
The sentimental end of the trial witnessed the courtroom eruption of applause when the not guilty verdict was read. Sarah Mardini, whose heroic journey with her sister Yusra inspired the Netflix film The Swimmers, described the relief as overwhelming. Despite the acquittal, legal experts and rights groups like Amnesty International warn that the prolonged prosecution has already done its damage by deterring other potential volunteers from conducting vital migrant rescues in the Mediterranean.
Impact on Humanitarian Aid
European values have been considered to be tested in this case. The Greek judicial system has created a precedence by acquitting the activists that any act of saving lives at sea cannot be compared to smuggling. Nevertheless, the social and economic cost to the defendants is a grim reminder of the dangers people are undergoing when they guard the vulnerable.
